The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

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Michael Ptak's Homeworld Sci-Fi Maps....

Homeworld and Homeworld 2 were sci-fi simulation/rts games that were released by Relic Entertainment several years ago. They were unusual in that they enabled you to control an entire fleet instead of just one fighter. Both games also partook of a rich backstory and had a very distinct visual style to them.

One cartographically gifted fan took that style and ran with it. He created a series of maps for the Homeworld Universe that are a joy to behold. Normally depicting something as large as a galaxy is quite difficult, but Mr. Ptak (or Norsehound as he's known) used a symbolic, colorful, abstract style to pull it off. Take a look at his Galaxy Map here (which he's still working on): http://home.comcast.net/~norsehound/GiantHWMapDemo7.jpg

Though most of the maps here on Cartographersguild are crafted more for the fantasy milieu, for those of you thinking of designing something for a sci-fi/space opera game, Mr. Ptak's maps are worth a look.